Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) Convener and Dhaka-11 MP Nahid Islam has accused Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of behaving like the then-ruling Awami League and warned that his party could return to mass protests if what he called anti reform actions continue.
Speaking at a pre-iftar gathering organised by the NCP at a school ground in Barishal city on Sunday, Nahid alleged that the BNP had revealed its intentions by filing a defamation case against NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary.
“If the BNP continues to act like the Awami League, we will also return to the path of mass uprising,” he said.
Nahid further claimed that if the BNP “betrays the blood of martyrs” and sides with the Awami League and India against reform efforts while supporting corrupt elements, the NCP would have no alternative but to take to the streets again.
He also alleged that candidates from the NCP and the 11 party alliance were defeated through vote rigging in the recent national election.
Addressing young supporters, Nahid urged them to prepare for the upcoming local government polls. “The rigging that happened in the national election will not be allowed in the local government elections,” he said.
The NCP leader accused the BNP of failing to honour its promises immediately after assuming office. He warned that if a reform council is not formed during the next parliamentary session scheduled for March 12, his party would resume street agitation to defend what he described as the people’s rights.
At the same rally, Nasiruddin Patwary also criticised the BNP, alleging that the party was steering the country toward greater Indian influence.
PT/ra
